Forum Birmingham

For concert-goers arriving by train, Birmingham New Street station is the primary gateway to Forum Birmingham. Situated approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres) away, it’s a manageable walk of around 25-30 minutes, or a short taxi or bus ride. The station is a major hub, served by numerous train lines including West Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, and London Northwestern Railway. This means frequent services connect Birmingham New Street to major UK cities. Expect regular trains from London Euston (journey time around 1.5 hours), Manchester Piccadilly (approx. 1.5-2 hours), Edinburgh Waverley (approx. 3-4 hours), and numerous other regional destinations. Birmingham New Street offers comprehensive facilities, including a ticket office, extensive retail options, and accessible services for passengers with reduced mobility. Planning your train journey in advance is recommended, especially for peak times.

Navigating to Forum Birmingham via bus is a convenient option, with numerous routes stopping close to the venue. The main artery for bus services is Corporation Street and surrounding streets, where you’ll find stops for routes including the 1, 1A, 10, 50, 50A, and 82, among others. These routes connect Forum Birmingham with various districts across the city, including Handsworth, Moseley, and Sheldon, as well as key areas in the city centre itself. Many services operate throughout the day and into the night, providing accessible travel options for late-night events. Journey times from Birmingham’s main bus station, Birmingham Coach Station, are typically around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. National Express West Midlands is the primary operator for many of these routes. Checking live bus times via apps or at the bus stops is advisable for seamless travel.

Forum Birmingham is accessible by car, though navigating the city centre and finding parking requires some planning. If approaching from the M6, exit at Junction 6 (Spaghetti Junction) and follow signs for Birmingham City Centre, typically heading towards the A38. Use the postcode B4 6NH for your sat-nav, which will guide you to the vicinity. Parking options in the immediate area are predominantly multi-storey car parks, such as the nearby Dale End Car Park or the Masshouse Car Park. Expect costs to be in the region of £3-£5 per hour, with daily rates potentially reaching £20-£25. Street parking is limited and often metered. Birmingham also offers Park and Ride facilities on the outskirts, which might be a more economical and less stressful option for those travelling longer distances. Designated disabled parking bays are available in most city centre car parks.

Forum Birmingham is committed to ensuring accessibility for all its patrons. The venue generally offers step-free access to its main entrances and public areas. While specific details on lift availability to all levels can vary, efforts are made to accommodate wheelchair users. Accessible toilet facilities are located within the venue, and staff are trained to provide assistance. For those with hearing impairments, the venue may offer induction loop systems in certain areas, though it’s advisable to check specific event requirements. Assistance dogs are welcome at Forum Birmingham, and water bowls can usually be provided upon request. While dedicated accessible parking isn't directly at the venue, nearby car parks offer disabled bays. The venue's team is on hand to assist visitors with specific accessibility needs; please contact them in advance to discuss your requirements.

The main entrance is located centrally on High Street, Digbeth. Patrons should anticipate mandatory bag searches and security checks upon entry. To ensure smooth access and allow time for any security procedures, arriving 30 to 45 minutes prior to the advertised stage time (not necessarily door opening) is recommended. This allows sufficient time to clear security, collect drinks, and find your preferred viewing position before the performance commences.